Skip to content

Menu

Anime & film locations

Anime · 1998 · Shibukawa and Mt. Haruna, Gunma

Initial D: visiting the locations

Set in Gunma. Shibukawa, home to many of the story's locations including mountain passes, has installed manhole covers with series artwork at seven spots around the city.

Stops
5 places
Time needed
About 6 hr
Base
Takasaki

Please follow these

  • The mountain roads are ordinary public roads. Keep to the speed limit and traffic rules.
  • The manhole covers are in the road. Watch for cars and pedestrians when taking photos.
  • Manhole cards are limited to one per person.

Suggested order

Plan this route
  1. Start from Takasaki

  2. Shibukawa Station Plaza (Shibusan)

    A station-front facility with a manhole cover outside. Manhole cards are handed out inside.

    In front of JR Shibukawa Station, about 25 min from Takasaki on the Joetsu Line

    Go here

  3. Ikaho Onsen Stone Steps

    The stone-stepped street of Ikaho hot spring town. A manhole cover is in the square at the bottom of the steps.

    About 25 min by bus from Shibukawa Station

    The steps get crowded. Do not block the way when stopping.

    Go here

  4. Ikaho Shrine

    The shrine at the top of the stone steps. Another manhole cover is just below it.

    At the top of the stone steps

    Go here

  5. Yaseone Pass (former toll gate site)

    On the mountain road from Ikaho up to Lake Haruna. A manhole cover is at the old toll gate site.

    About 10 min by car or bus from Ikaho Onsen

    A mountain road with traffic. Do not stop on the shoulder for photos.

    Go here

  6. Lake Haruna and Mt. Haruna

    The lake at the top of Mt. Haruna, the model for the story's Mt. Akina.

    About 30 min by bus or car from Ikaho Onsen

    Go here

The line only shows the visiting order; it is not the actual walking route.

Stamps and keepsakes

Seven manhole covers with series art are in Shibukawa. Manhole cards are given out at Shibukawa Station Plaza (Shibusan), 9:00 to 19:00.

Official guides

From people who went

I went — write a tip

Scenes are described in words only; no images from the works are used. The places listed are those presented as locations by local governments, tourism associations or the official side of each work. Guidance and access rules can change, so check the official information before you go.

Sources